Norwood, the UK's largest Jewish charity supporting people with learning disabilities and families at risk of social inclusion has received £121,000 in funding from City of London Corporation’s charity the City Bridge Trust, to boost its inclusive sports programme ‘Change the Game’.

This user-led programme aims to increase access and help to redefine attitudes to sport for people with learning disabilities. By offering sports sessions in parks and sports centres, the programme supports participants in accessing a range of sports at suitable ability levels. The grant will be used to deliver the final stages of this programme, helping people with learning disabilities, aged between 14-25 years and 26+ years, to pursue sports at elite level, including wider participation in high level competitive sports.

The service was established to meet demand from learning disabled local residents who have normally been held back from taking part in sports activities due to lack of opportunities and concerns over transport and cost. Under the ‘Change the Game’ programme, 400 participants will be able to engage in sports activities over a three year period, and 100 of them will be engaging at the elite level with help from Norwood’s trained staff and volunteers. In addition, 15 individuals will receive job coaching and training opportunities within the sports field.

Pauline Smith, Norwood’s Head of Operations said:

“At Norwood, we believe that people with learning disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. This funding from City Bridge Trust will enable us to work with people who want to take part in international sports challenges, the Special Olympics, or to find a job in the industry. Through the delivery of this project, we will support people to embed sports into their everyday lives, becoming healthier and more independent.”

Michael Kuperberg, who Norwood supports, said:

“Until I came to Norwood, I was nervous about cycling, then thanks to the support and love I’ve received from Norwood, I now love cycling and have been on a tandem cycling ride to Thailand.”

Jeremy Mayhew, Chairman of the City Bridge Trust, said:

“Lack of suitable provision and access can create barriers for people with learning disabilities and reduce their chances of enjoying sports or even pursuing a career in competitive sport. The necessary facilities, a supportive environment, and access to specialist training can make a vital and positive difference. City Bridge Trust fully supports Norwood’s valuable work, empowering people with learning disabilities to achieve maximum independence and enhancing health and well-being through sports.”

City Bridge Trust is the grant-making arm of Bridge House Estates, whose sole trustee is the City of London Corporation. It supports London’s charities and provides grants totalling around £15 million annually.

Notes to editors:

Media enquiries: Julie Zhu, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

T 020 7332 3451

E julie.zhu@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London CorporationThe City of London Corporation has three roles: we support London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration and skills projects. The Corporation supports education - with three independent schools and three City Academies – plus a primary school and the world-renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama. We also help look after key London heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important ‘commons’ in south London. And – with its heart in London’s Square Mile - we also support and promote the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events, research-driven policies and a long-term approach. See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for much more on our uniquely diverse role, including the City of London Police, etc.

The City of London Corporation’s charity, the City Bridge Trust, makes grants totaling around £15 million annually to charitable projects across London. More information can be found at www.citybridgetrust.org.uk.